Renmark: River Cliffs and Easy Wandering
Renmark wasn’t our base on this run, but Barmera put us close enough for an easy day trip. We rolled into town over the historic lifting bridge, slowing down to watch the river drift past and the steel span rising above the water. It’s one of those small moments that sets the tone for the town, practical, a bit old-world, and very Riverland.
We followed the Murray through town and out to the Headings Cliff Lookout, where the cliffs come into full view. The sandstone rises in steady layers of orange and cream, shaped by the river over time. We climbed the tower for the lookout and stayed a while, taking photos and watching the light shift across the water. A few kangaroos wandered through the scrub below us, keeping an eye on us and Zoe, who was more interested in the ducks down at the river.
Speaking of Zoe, we promised her a proper outing, so we headed back into town for a visit to Cinnamon Grove. It’s a pet-friendly cafe with shaded outdoor seating and staff who treat dogs like old friends. Zoe was thrilled. We enjoyed a relaxed break by the river, watching the houseboats move along at an unhurried pace.
Before heading back to Barmera, we made a quick stop at the Paringa Silo Art, just across the river. The murals stretch high across the old silos and were painted by artist Sam Brooks, who transformed the site into a huge tribute to Riverland life. One side depicts a soft, sweeping landscape of the Murray at sunset, and the other features a child standing by the river, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of water to the region. Up close, the scale is impressive. From a distance, the colours settle into the landscape as if they’ve always belonged there. It’s a simple stop, but well worth pulling over for.
On the way back to Barmera we made a quick stop at the Almond Nut Shack, which has become a small tradition for us. Their chocolate almonds have a way of disappearing faster than planned, so we stocked up before heading home.
Renmark is one of those Riverland towns that sits quietly on the water, offering steady views, easy walks and enough little stops to fill a day without rushing. A simple detour with a few good surprises and a calm, easy pace.
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Renmark
Renmark sits on the Murray River in South Australia’s Riverland region, surrounded by orchards, vineyards and sandstone river cliffs. It’s known for its houseboat culture, classic lifting bridge and calm river views.
How to Get There
Renmark is about 3 hours from Adelaide via the Sturt Highway. From Barmera, it’s an easy 25-minute drive along sealed roads through farmland and open river country.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Entered town via the historic Paringa Bridge.
Visited Headings Cliff Lookout for river and cliff views.
Watched local kangaroos along the tracks near the cliffs.
Took Zoe to see the ducks by the river.
Had a pet-friendly cafe stop at Cinnamon Grove.
Stopped at the Almond Nut Shack for chocolate almonds.
Other highlights nearby:
Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum.
Renmark Riverfront walking trail.
Wineries and distilleries throughout the Riverland.
When to Visit
Autumn and spring offer the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer can be very hot, while winter brings crisp mornings and steady river views.
Final Thoughts
Renmark is a relaxed river town with enough little stops to fill a day without pushing the pace. The cliffs, the water, the old bridge and the easy riverfront all come together to make it an unhurried and worthwhile detour.
What’s Nearby
West leads back toward Barmera and the lakes of the Riverland. East follows the Murray toward Paringa and the border track country.
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Fast Facts
Location: Renmark, Riverland SA
Distance: 3 hours east of Adelaide
Traditional Owners: First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee Region
Access: Sealed highways and local roads
Facilities: Cafes, riverfront paths, lookouts, houseboat hire, shops and services
Walking Track: Short paths along the riverfront and around the cliffs
Dog Friendly: Yes, with pet-friendly cafes and riverfront areas
Best Time to Visit: Autumn and spring
Things That Could Kill You (Probably Won’t)
A semi-serious guide to surviving Australia. Mostly common sense, occasionally luck.
Kangaroos: Cute until they decide they own the road.
River Edges: Slippery, especially with excited dogs nearby.
Chocolate Almonds: Addictive enough to vanish on the drive home.
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A relaxed day trip to Renmark gave us river cliffs, quiet tracks, a friendly pet café and a stop for chocolate almonds. A simple wander along the Murray with plenty to pause for.